AGENDA - FNQROC Board Meeting No. 142 · 2020. 6. 17. · AGENDA - FNQROC Board Meeting No. 142...

AGENDA - FNQROC Board Meeting No. 142

FNQROC Board Meeting No. 142 Friday 19th June 2020 of 4

ACCESS TO TELE CONFERENCE:

If not able to attend in person, please join this meeting via tele-conference by

dialing: +61 2 8355 1038 l Access Code: 394-061-605

Please note that video conference facilities are NOT available for this meeting

AGENDA

Friday 19th June 2020 at 10:00 AM

Civic Reception Room, Cairns Regional Council, 119-145 Spence Street, Cairns

OR via Tele Conference (see details above)

1 Welcome & Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners Deputy Chair

2 Apologies noted / Meeting Housekeeping Deputy Chair

3 Board Presentations

3.1 Hon Craig Crawford MP, Minister for Fire & Emergency Services

and Minister for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Partnerships re

opportunities for COVID recovery for the region

Via Tele-

Conference

3.2 Rob Hall, Keenan Jackson & Katrina Houghton from Economy .id

Economic Impacts of COVID-19 on the FNQROC region

Via Tele-

Conference

3.3 Darlene Irvine, FNQROC Executive Officer on the FNQROC

Organisational Board Overview

In Person

3.4 Michael Christie, Jacobs Group re RRIS Executive

Summary (Final Report)

In Person

4 Confirmation of Previous Minutes

4.1 Minutes of Meeting held on 03 February 2020 Pages 1-11

4.2 Minutes of Meeting held on 27 April 2020 Pages 12-20

5 Business Arising from Previous Minutes: 03 February/27 April 2020

Minute

Number

Action Responsible

Person(s)

Status

2672 ADD 5 Strategic Priorities review to post-LG Election board agenda 2020

FNQROC

D Irvine

See Agenda Item 8.1

2705a M Olsen (TTNQ) to extract Customer Service matrix re Visitor Survey results and provide to FNQROC

TTNQ

M Olsen

Complete and

circulated by email

10/02/20

2718 L Hannan (LGAQ) to take on notice timeframe for legislation changes and report to FNQROC when clear timeframes known

LGAQ

L Hannan

LGAQ predict that they

will not know a

definitive answer until

councils do.


Minute

Number

Action Responsible

Person(s)

Status

2723a FNQROC to share QGRN presentation and details with minutes for direct contact by councils

FNQROC

L Richardson

Complete

2723b Chair requested D Irvine/L Rankine to follow up with Telstra to determine indicative pricing for data to support the RRIS Tourism Routes.

FNQROC

D Irvine / L

Rankine

In

progress

2735b C Baker (LGAQ) to highlight concerns raised re Informal/Closed Meeting Provisions with Intergovernmental Relations team who are leading draft LGAQ submission

LGAQ

C Baker

Complete

2735c D Irvine (FNQROC) to draft a submission re Informal Meeting/Closed Meeting Provisions for submission to DLGRMA by 7 February 2020

FNQROC

D Irvine

Complete

2742 As councils develop their Recovery Plans please send to FNQROC Executive Officer

ALL In

Progress

2743a D Irvine coordinate Alex Marsh (QRA) to present to the FNQROC Board on Monday 11th May at 10:00am via video conference

FNQROC

D Irvine

Complete

2743b ALL Council members to nominate individual FNQ RRTG representatives and advise D Irvine ASAP

ALL Complete

2745 L Richardson to circulate the recent financials with the minutes

FNQROC

L Richardson

Complete

6 Election of FNQROC Interim Chair

6.1 FNQROC Interim Chair to be elected at the next Board

Meeting (August 2020)

Verbal

7 Advocacy

7.1 Advocacy update from FNQROC

7.1.1 Introduction to Ms Anne Stunzner, Advocacy

Advisor to FNQROC Member Councils

7.1.2 Priority planning for FNQROC Mayoral Delegation

to State Government (11-13 August 2020)

Verbal

Verbal

7.2 Advocacy update from FNQROC Council members

8 Strategic Operational Plan

8.1 Review of FNQROC Strategic 5 Priorities Verbal


8.2 Regional Road Investment Strategy (RRIS) Executive

Summary (Final Report)

See Item 3.3 /

Circulated

separately

8.3 Illegal Dumping Partnerships Program (Update) Verbal

8.4 Animal Management TC (AMTC) Recommendation

Board recommendation for the continuation of the AMTC

Verbal

9 Discussion Topics

9.1 Nil

10 Incoming/Outgoing Correspondence (20 Jan – 01 Apr ‘20)

10.1 Incoming

Hon Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for LG in response to

FNQROC letter re Informal Meetings (Feb 2020) (DM#6309199)

Director-General in response to FNQROC letter re

Implementation of the Waste Levy (Feb 2020) (DM#6307447)

Hon Mark Bailey MP re Major Projects Business Case Fund

(MPBCF) re Kuranda Range Road (Mar 2020) (DM6396672)

For discussion

Pages 21 - 22

Letter from Western Qld Alliance of Councils re LGAQ Rural

Water & Wastewater Guarantee (May 2020) (DM#6399462)

For discussion

Pages 23 - 24

Letter from Cr Marti, TRC re advocating for Distribution of

Molasses in Qld (May 2020) (DM#6399470)

For discussion

Pages 25 - 26

10.2 Outgoing

Letter of congratulations to Hon Keith Pitt MP, Minister for

Resources, Water & Nth Australia (Feb 2020) (DM#6308339)

Letters of congratulations to State Members re new

portfolios following May re-shuffle (May 2020) (DM#6386804)

11 FNQROC Policy Review

11.1 Nil to report

12 FNQROC Reports and MOUs

12.1 Nil to report

13 Financial Statements

13.1 Profit & Loss Statement: Current to 31 May 2020 Pages 27 – 29

13.2 Balance Sheet: Current to 31 May 2020 Page 30

14 Meetings attended by FNQROC Executive Officer Pages 31 - 32


15 Minutes of FNQROC Advisory Committees (01 Apr – 31 May ‘20)

15.1 FNQROC RRTG TC Meeting(21/04/20) See FNQROC

Website

15.2 FNQROC NAMAC Meeting (28/05/20) See FNQROC

Website

16 Confidential Meeting Minutes (01 Apr – 31 May ‘20)

16.1 FNQROC Regional Sewer Relining Tender Briefing (30/04/20) Available

upon request

16.2 FNQROC Regional Bitumen Reseal Tender Evaluation (21/05/20)

Available

upon request

17 FNQROC Western Council Meeting Minutes & Agreed Actions

Action 1: Update on Electronic Signage Strategy from TMR

Action 2: Availability of Monsoon Funding to desilt Karumba

Action 3: Advocate for lifting of restrictions between Outback + other regions

Action 4: Clarity around definition of ‘local’ within COVID Outback roadmap

Action 5: Estimation of timeframe for councils to commence ROSI projects

See FNQROC

Website

18 LGAQ Policy Executive Update (Standing Item)

Circulated

separately

18.1 Update by Mr Greg Hallam and Sarah Buckler (LGAQ)

19 General Business

19.1 Nil raised

20 Next Meeting Date

Tuesday 11th August 2020 in Parliament House, Brisbane

https://www.fnqroc.qld.gov.au/files/media/original/004/c7b/7b3/ee1/LIVE--6362490-v1-FNQRRTG_TC_Minutes_of_the_meeting_109_-_21st_April_2020.pdf

https://www.fnqroc.qld.gov.au/files/media/original/004/c7b/7b3/ee1/LIVE--6362490-v1-FNQRRTG_TC_Minutes_of_the_meeting_109_-_21st_April_2020.pdf

https://www.fnqroc.qld.gov.au/files/media/original/004/d0a/877/db6/NAMAC_-42_MINUTES_May_28_2020.pdf

https://www.fnqroc.qld.gov.au/files/media/original/004/d0a/877/db6/NAMAC_-42_MINUTES_May_28_2020.pdf

https://www.fnqroc.qld.gov.au/files/media/original/004/c8a/0fa/c0f/Unconfirmed-Minutes-Western-Councils-Forum-14-May-2020-.pdf

https://www.fnqroc.qld.gov.au/files/media/original/004/c8a/0fa/c0f/Unconfirmed-Minutes-Western-Councils-Forum-14-May-2020-.pdf

FNQROC Board Meeting No. 140 Monday 03 February 2020 Page 1 of 11

MINUTES OF THE 140TH BOARD MEETING

MONDAY 03 February 2020 @ 010:00am at

Civic Reception Room, Cairns Regional Council, Cairns

R EPR ES EN TAT IV E S: Cr Tom Gilmore, Mayor, Chair Mareeba Shire Council

Cr Bob Manning, Mayor Cairns Regional Council

Cr Jack Bawden, Mayor Carpentaria Shire Council

Cr John Kremastos, Mayor Cassowary Coast Regional Council

Cr Peter Scott, Mayor Cook Shire Council

Cr Trevor Pickering, Mayor Croydon Shire Council

Cr Julia Leu, Mayor Douglas Shire Council

Cr Mary Brown, Councillor Hinchinbrook Shire Council

Cr Warren Devlin, Mayor Etheridge Shire Council

Cr Joe Paronella, Mayor Tablelands Regional Council

Cr Desmond Tayley, Mayor Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council

Cr Ross Andrews, Mayor Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council

CEO’ S : Mr John Andrejic, CEO Cairns Regional Council

Mr Mark Crawley, CEO Carpentaria Shire Council

Mr James Gott Cassowary Coast Regional Council

Ms Linda Cardew, CEO Cook Shire Council

Mr Bill Kerwin, CEO Croydon Shire Council

Mr Mark Stoermer, CEO Douglas Shire Council

Mr David Munro, CEO Etheridge Shire Council

Mr Mark Kelleher, CEO Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council

Ms Hillary Jackson, Acting CEO Tablelands Regional Council

Mr Steve Wilton, CEO Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council

Mr Leon Yeatman, CEO Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council

OB SER V ER S : Cr Ramon Jayo, Mayor Hinchinbrook Shire Council


Cr Wayne Bing Chew Croydon Shire Council

Ms Jo Stephenson DLGRMA

INV I TED GU E ST S Ms Maria Karanicolas QGRN (via tele-conference)

Mr Gareth Long QGRN (via tele-conference)

Ms Jacqueline Owen QGRN (via tele-conference)

Mr Andrew Kulic KPMG

Ms Georgie Aley KPMG

Ms Hilary Shannon KPMG

Mr Craig Gorlick Jacobs

Mr Alby Paolucci Jacobs

Ms Crystal Baker LGAQ

FNQR OC STA F F: Ms Darlene Irvine Executive Officer

Ms Linda Richardson Executive Coordinator

Ms Amanda Hancock Procurement Coordinator

Mr Travis Sydes Natural Assets & Sustainability Coordinator

Mr Lachlan Rankine Strategic Infrastructure Coordinator

APO LO G IE S: Mr Alan Rayment, CEO Hinchinbrook Shire Council

Cr June Pearson, Mayor Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council

Mr Peter Franks, CEO Mareeba Shire Council

Mr Justin Commons, CEO Tablelands Regional Council

Mr Luke Hannan LGAQ

Mr Mark Girard QTC

Ms Diana Lollato QTC

Ms Sarah Webster QTC

2721 Chair’s Welcome & Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners

The meeting commenced at 10:00am.

The Chair opened the meeting and acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today, paying respects to Elders past, present and emerging.


2722 Apologies and welcome to guests

Apologies as noted. The Chair welcomed invited guests providing presentations to the Board.

2723 BOARD PRESENTATIONS

3.1 Queensland Government Regional Network (QGRN) via Tele-conference

• Mr Gareth Long, Ms Maria Karanicolas and Jacqueline Owen provided an overview of the new QGRN model and services via tele-call.

Key presentation points included:

• Harnessing the collective buying power of the Qld Govt, the QGRN is delivering ICT network connectivity throughout the state. Benefits include:

- Improved regional connectivity services (higher bandwidth, increased productivity)

- More sustainable network topology (multi-carrier, higher capacity services)

- Decreased telecommunication costs across regional Qld (localised market competition)

- QGRN servicing the Government (restricted to only servicing public entities)

• Examples of savings and map of current rollout of 24 hubs, including FNQROC councils of Cooktown, Mareeba and Atherton

• Next steps include integrating NBN which is happening at present and then 4G network and developing services into the Cape York region

The Chair asked for feedback/comments from the floor:

• Interest expressed by Cook Shire Council to receive a comparison study of savings for their shire.

• Query raised re expected time from planning to delivery for remote and rural areas. Noted that these areas are challenged financially and therefore will likely require additional external funding for service delivery. Councils can apply individually or collaboratively for such funding via Building our Regions funding and QGRN are available to assist with applications.

• Query raised re impact of limiting factors such as population levels, limited agencies located within a shire boundary and/or interest. Noted that a holistic view would be taken with regard to agencies located within neighbouring shires and that regional areas of neglect are likely to receive financial support, which again supports a collaborative approach to funding applications.

• Noted that many of the FNQROC councils currently experience Black Spots and regular disruption, which is particularly challenging around times of disaster/emergency.

• Query raised re sustainability and it was noted that QGRN is underwritten by Qld Government.

ACTION:

• FNQROC to share QGRN presentation and details with minutes for direct contact by councils

3.2 KPMG re FNQ Agriculture Supply Chain Project

• Mr Andrew Kulic, Ms Georgie Aley and Ms Hilary Shannon, KPMG provided a progress update on the FNQ Ag Supply Chain Project.



• Thanks extended to Chair for opportunity and D Irvine who sits on the Steering Committee

• Recap of FNQ Ag Supply Chain Project to date including 4 steps of Research, Literature Review, Consultations with over 50 stakeholders and Roundtable Engagement

• Key recommendations focussed on 4 key themes including:

- Infrastructure: Development of an Infrastructure Investment Plan with priority for current airport infrastructure, road networks, water, connectivity and aggregation facility

- Export: Including increased awareness of existing infrastructure, simplification of export processes, export distribution hub and long-term airline capacity

- Collaboration: Including supply chain led governance structure, connecting FNQ region with priority markets (trade shows/road shows), R&D connectivity (universities & industry); and

- Advocacy: Develop marketing strategy and position for the region, secure access to markets without trade restrictions, explore value adding to the region (food manufacturing, pre-packaging, etc)

The Chair asked for comments from the floor:

• Query raised re what sits behind the aggregation facility and has consideration been given to the Palmerston Highway as well as Kuranda Range Road? Noted that the aggregation facility focusses on agriculture/grower network, understanding limited treatment facilities in relation to trade protocols. Both the Palmerston and Hann Highways are part of the consideration.

• Noted that 95% of current exports relate to ‘live’ exports and more work is required within the agriculture sector to increase exports directly out of the Cairns Airport.

• Query raised re any consideration to taking product north to Singapore for aggregation and the swing towards high yield products. The study does consider this and noted that both Singapore and Hong Kong are key markets to act as re-export hubs (not necessarily consuming in country).

• Had the study had factored in secondary elements, such as packaging and processing. Noted that within the horticulture sector, boxing up and treatment processes are currently running out of Brisbane. The study did identify opportunities to look at value adding through second grade products and specialised packaging for products such as mangoes.

• Any consideration to the development of an airport on the Tablelands (ie taking the infrastructure to the product). Raised as part of stakeholder discussions, but financially not a viable option.

3.3 Jacobs Australia re DRAFT Regional Road Investment Strategy (RRIS)

• Mr Craig Gorlick and Alby Paolucci, Jacobs provided a progress update on the DRAFT Regional Road Investment Strategy (RRIS) focused on Tourism Routes, HV Networks and First & Last Mile Opportunities.


• Tourism Routes:

- Objective to assess the impacts of induced tourism visitation as a result of route upgrades

- Overview of road investment opportunities and challenges

- Data of tourism economic value, overview of route expenditure and data analysis

- Noticeable trend was the targeted sealing of particular unsealed tourism routes would encourage increased visitation (although need to consider the off-road tourism experience)


• Heavy Vehicle Routes:

- Objective to assess current HV Network and identify gaps and expected growth (safety focus)

- Development of Web based Geographic Information System (regularly updated)

- Overview of Deficiency Assessment method based on a 20 year vision, noting a portion of work still required to complete this assessment

- Identified over the next 20 years approx. $485m deficiencies within State Controlled roads and $168m within LRRS roads and the draft Top 10 roads in each category identified

• First & Last Mile

- Overview of opportunities based on gaps in HV access connectivity between roads, beef roads, access to primary production locations and provision of life-line freight routes

- Provided a short list of First/Last Mile road opportunities (noting further discussion)

• Next Steps

- Strategy is a ‘living’ document that priorities identified projects with the FNQROC Prioritisation Tool and presents a rolling investment program, including investments as implemented. Noted by L Rankine TIDS spending moving more towards a strategic/opportunity direction.

- Strategy supported by a separate RRIS Implementation Plan.

- Draft strategy and implementation plan is due end of February.


• The Chair noted that the DRAFT report is 95% complete with a logic check still required to finalise. Aiming for end of February, however noted as a ‘serious document’ for FNQROC in relation to advocacy for road investment and digital connectivity and to ensure accuracies, the report should not be rushed.

• Concerns raised re the difficulty to access data relating to regional tourism visitation and given the value of this project and the value of tourism to the region, reliable data is critical to inform study. Questioned raised re viability of accessing data via Telsta, as previously presented to the board and had the study tapped into these data sources. Noted that Telstra data reliant on connectivity and the FNQROC Mobile Blackspot Audit as demonstrated significant deficiencies across the FNQROC region and suggested that the request for required data would be a cost prohibitive exercise. Reiterated as a ‘living’ document additional data and information can be fed in, as feasible and available.

• Tourist route names used in the study are those promoted and publicly advertised by tourism bodies and as advised by Tourism Qld/Outback Qld (not all of them are TMR signed routes).

• Noted access to HV vehicles allowed by councils in some instances, despite non-gazetted HV roads.

ACTION:

• Chair requested D Irvine/L Rankine to follow up with Telstra to determine indicative pricing for data to support the RRIS Tourism Routes.


CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

2724 Confirmation of Minutes

MOVED: Cr Scott

SECOND: Cr Paronella

That the minutes of the 139th FNQROC Board Meeting held on 09 December 2019 be confirmed.

CARRIED

BUSINESS ARISING OUT OF MINUTES

2672 Minute – ADD 5 Strategic Priorities review to post-LG Election agenda 2020

Carried over to April 2020

2705A Minute – M Olsen to extract Customer Service matrix re Visitor Survey results and provide to FNQROC

D Irvine to follow up with TTNQ

2710 Minute – ADD Regional Road Investment Strategy (RRIS) DRAFT to the FNQROC Board Agenda (Feb 2020)

Completed

2713A Minute – D Irvine to discuss Study Scope with Qld Futures Institute

D Irvine advised (as per previously circulated board email) that Qld Future Institute has expressed interest

2713B Minute – Cr Gilmore and D Irvine to select successful consultant for FNQROC Dam Study

Completed with Mayors advised via email.

2718 Minute – L Hannan to take on notice timeframe for legislation changes and report to FNQROC when clear timeframes known

Item remains outstanding

2719 Minute – D Irvine to develop Letter of Support to the CHHHS Board in relation to the Cairns University Hospital

FNQROC Letter of Support completed

2720A Minute – D Irvine to consider public holiday implications re proposed April 2020 board date (20 or 27th)

Completed


ADVOCACY

2725 Advocacy Update from FNQROC

• It was noted that the following dates have been date claimed as planned FNQROC Mayoral Delegation visits for 2020:-

- 17-19 August 2020 – STATE Delegation (FNQROC Board Meeting to be held in Brisbane) - 13-15 October 2020 – FEDERAL Delegation (CBR)

• Ad hoc delegations will be conducted when, and if, required around specific priorities

2726 Advocacy Update from FNQROC Council Members

Nil to report

STRATEGIC OPERATIONAL PLAN

2727 FNQROC Dam Study – Successful Consultant

D Irvine advised that Aurecon is the successful consultant undertaking the FNQROC Dam Study. Briefing meeting held in late January to discuss the project scope and first steps. Rockhampton has been selected as the base case in terms of assessing economic growth and an international dam will now be included in the study on advice from Infrastructure Australia, with Mr Commons (CEO TRC) assisting with research whilst in the US.

The Chair noted that Infrastructure Australia was interested in this project and other regions will be interested in the outcomes. The study will result in a strong advocacy document.

2728 FNQROC Strategic Operational Plan (Updated January 2020)

D Irvine undertook an annual update of the FNQROC Strategic Operational Plan to take into consideration Board directed projects.

MOVED: Cr Pickering SECOND: Cr Kremastos

That FNQROC adopt the amended FNQROC Strategic Operational Plan 2018-2022.

CARRIED

DISCUSSION TOPICS

Nil

CORRESPONDENCE

As noted

FNQROC POLICY REVIEW

Nil


FNQROC REPORTS AND MOU

2729 FNQROC Operational Plan and Budget Report (B-76)

The Chair asked for comments in relation to the FNQROC Operational Plan and Budget Report (B76) and endorsement from the board to adopt the following recommendation.

MOVED: Cr Scott SECOND: Cr Jayo

That FNQROC adopt:

1. FNQROC Operational Budget with:

a. Member Council base contribution for the 2020/21 financial year being:

i. Cairns Regional Council - $118,700

ii. Carpentaria Shire Council - $23,124

iii. Cassowary Coast Regional Council - $86,925

iv. Cook Shire Council - $51,853

v. Croydon Shire Council - $20,763

vi. Douglas Shire Council - $62,520

vii. Etheridge Shire Council - $21,486

viii. Hinchinbrook Shire Council - $35,487

ix. Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council - $21,873

x. Mareeba Shire Council - $76,884

xi. Tablelands Regional Council - $81,117

xii. Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council - $20,788

xiii. Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council - $24,327

b. Regional Road and Transport Contributions remaining at 2.75% of funding received, and

c. Croydon Shire Council, Etheridge Shire Council, Hinchinbrook Shire Council, Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council and Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council contribute 20% of any direct savings realised through their involvement in regional procurement activities (capped at $25,000.00); and

d. Councils outside the FNQROC boundary contribute 30% of direct savings realised through their involvement in FNQROC procurement activities.

CARRIED

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2730 Profit and Loss and Balance Sheet Financial YTD

MOVED: Cr Pickering SECOND: Cr Leu That the Profit and Loss Reports and Balance Sheet Reports for the financial year to date be accepted.

CARRIED


ATTENDANCE & MINUTES OF MEETINGS

2731 Meetings Attending by Executive Officer

As noted

2732 FNQROC Advisory Committee Minutes (01 Dec ’19 – 20 Jan ‘20)

As noted

2733 Confidential Meeting Minutes (01 Dec ’19 – 20 Jan ‘20)

As noted

2734 FNQROC Western Council Forum Minutes & Resolutions

Noted that scheduled meetings for 2020 are 13 May (Croydon) and 16 September (Etheridge)

2735 LGAQ POLICY EXECUTIVE UPDATE

Ms Crystal Baker, LGAQ provided an overview of the tabled Executive Summary, highlighting the following key LGAQ activities:

• Local Government Electoral (Implementing Stage 2 of Belcarra) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2019 (LGEOLA)

• Reef Advocacy

• Waste Update – Submissions on Consultation RIS related to Local Government waste management reforms (section 7) due 10 February 2020 – likely to be of most relevance to Douglas in FNQ region, LGAQ will be making a submission. Waste Export Bans – likely to be a key issue for FNQROC due to tyranny of distance.

• Review of the Strong & Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017 – Office of the Coordinator General is leading the review and will be engaging with stakeholders including LG from Jan-May 2020. Likely to be of most relevance to Mareeba, Etheridge, Croydon and Tablelands.

• Building Certification Reform update

• Rural Water & Wastewater Guarantee – LGAQ is proposing the State invest $500m over 5 years in a Rural Water and Wastewater Guarantee. LGAQ has circulated a draft concept paper to all proposed eligible Councils (including Carpentaria, Corydon, Cassowary, Cook, Douglas, Etheridge, Hinchinbrook, Mareeba, Tablelands). Feedback to LGAQ from councils on draft concept paper requested by 6 March 2020.


• Is there any known commencement date for Conflict of Interest Provisions (noting best alignment would be post LG elections) and are there known dates for expected second reading of the LGEOLA (Stage 2 Belcarra) Bill? No

• Has LGAQ received any feedback from member councils re new Disclosure Obligations (gifts/expenditure) for Councillors due COB Tuesday 4th February? Several Councils expressed access and connectivity issues with online platform.


• D Irvine (on behalf of MSC) raised concerns re non-attendance of LGAQ at FNQ Roads and Water & Waste and noted that members would like to see representation. C Baker to follow up internally to determine appropriate representative per Technical Committee.

• Significant concerns raised by Councillors and CEOs regarding Informal meeting proposal. Legislation appears to focus on larger Councils, without the consideration that smaller councils do not have the resources to work effectively within such regulations and is administratively unworkable.

Noted that the lifeblood of small communities is the ability to communicate informally and this regulation could potentially erode the social capital of smaller communities.

LGAQ confirmed they will be making a submission to DLGRMA and additionally FNQROC resolved to make a submission by 7 February 2020.

MOVED: Cr Scott SECOND: Cr Manning The FNQROC Board resolved to make a submission to Department of Local Government, Racing and Multicultural Affairs in relation to the Informal Meeting/Closed Meeting Provisions due 7th February 2020

CARRIED

ACTION:

• LGAQ (C Baker) to take on notice raised queries relating to commencement date for COI provisions and known dates for expected 2nd reading of the LGEOLA (Stage 2 Belcarra) Bill and report back to FNQROC

• LGAQ to raise concerns raised re Informal Meeting Proposal with Intergovernmental Relations team who are leading draft LGAQ submission

• FNQROC (D Irvine) to draft submission re Informal Meeting/Closed Meeting Provisions for submission to DLGRMA by 7 February 2020

2736 GENERAL BUSINESS

What can FNQROC do to support the fire disaster?

• Cr Gilmore raised this point. Does FNQROC have any appetite to support the fundraising

• Need to be mindful that our own region experiences fire incidents annually and that Cape York and the Gulf sustained damage recently.

• Personal opinion extended, suggesting that councils could consider a ‘sister council’ style approach to reach out to communities to ask how we can offer support.

Proposed Local government regulatory reforms – informal meetings (Raised by CSC)

• Refer to Minute #2735

D Irvine on annual leave (11-25 February 2020)

Noted that D Irvine would be on annual leave from 11-25 February (inclusive).


2720 Next Meeting

The Chair advised the next FNQROC Board meeting is scheduled for the 27th April 2020 in Cairns.

In closing, Cr Gilmore extended his sincere thanks to the board and staff for their support during his tenure as FNQROC Chair and wished all Councillors success in the next election.

Meeting Close: 12.47 pm

………………………………….

Cr Tom Gilmore

Chair

ACTION ITEMS: 03 February 2020

Minute Number Action Responsible Person(s)

Status


FNQROC L Richardson / D Irvine

Carried over to April 2020


TTNQ M Olsen

Outstanding Item from December 2019

2718 L Hannan (LGAQ) to take on notice timeframe for legislation changes and report to FNQROC when clear timeframes known

LGAQ L Hannan

Outstanding Item from December 2019


FNQROC L Richardson In Progress

2723c

Chair requested D Irvine/L Rankine to follow up with Telstra to determine indicative pricing for data to support the RRIS Tourism Routes.

FNQROC D Irvine / L Rankine

2735a

C Baker (LGAQ) to take on notice raised queries relating to commencement date for Conflict of Interest provisions and known dates for expected second reading of the LGEOLA (Stage 2 Belcarra) Bill and report back to FNQROC

LGAQ C Baker

2735b

C Baker (LGAQ) to raise concerns raised re Informal/Closed Meeting Provisions with Intergovernmental Relations team who are leading draft LGAQ submission

LGAQ C Baker In Progress

2735d

D Irvine (FNQROC) to draft a submission re Informal Meeting/Closed Meeting Provisions for submission to DLGRMA by 7 February 2020

FNQROC D Irvine In Progress

FNQROC Board Meeting No. 141 Monday 27 April 2020 Page 1 of 9

MINUTES OF THE 141ST BOARD MEETING

MONDAY 27 APRIL2020 @ 10:00am via Video Conference

REPR ES EN TAT IV ES : Cr Bob Manning, Mayor Cairns Regional Council

Cr Mark Nolan, Mayor Cassowary Coast Regional Council

DEPUTY CHAIR Cr Peter Scott, Mayor Cook Shire Council

Cr Trevor Pickering, Mayor Croydon Shire Council

Cr Michael Kerr, Mayor Douglas Shire Council

Cr Barry Hughes, Mayor Etheridge Shire Council

Cr Ramon Jayo, Councillor Hinchinbrook Shire Council

Cr Jason Woibo, Mayor Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council

Cr Angela Toppin, Mayor Mareeba Shire Council

Cr Bradley Creek, Mayor Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council

Cr Ross Andrews, Mayor Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council

CEO’ S : Mr John Andrejic, CEO Cairns Regional Council

Mr Mark Crawley, CEO Carpentaria Shire Council

Mr James Gott Cassowary Coast Regional Council

Ms Linda Cardew, CEO Cook Shire Council

Mr Bill Kerwin, CEO Croydon Shire Council

Mr Mark Stoermer, CEO Douglas Shire Council

Mr David Munro, CEO Etheridge Shire Council

Mr Mark Kelleher, CEO Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council

Mr Peter Franks, CEO Mareeba Shire Council

Mr Justin Commons, CEO Tablelands Regional Council

Mr Steve Wilton, CEO Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council

Mr Leon Yeatman, CEO Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council


OBS ERV ERS : Councillors Cook Shire Council

Cr Mary Brown Hinchinbrook Shire council

INV I TED G U ES TS Mr Scott Britton LGAQ

FNQR OC S TA F F: Ms Darlene Irvine Executive Officer

Ms Linda Richardson Executive Coordinator

Ms Amanda Hancock Procurement Coordinator

Mr Travis Sydes Natural Assets & Sustainability Coordinator

Mr Lachlan Rankine Strategic Infrastructure Coordinator

APO LOG IES : Cr Jack Bawden, Mayor Carpentaria Shire Council

Cr Rod Marti, Mayor Tablelands Regional Council

Mr Alan Rayment, CEO Hinchinbrook Shire Council

2738 Chair’s Welcome & Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners

The meeting commenced at 10:02am.

The Deputy Chair opened the meeting and acknowledged the Traditional Owners of the land on which we

meet today, paying respects to Elders past, present and emerging. The Deputy Chair congratulated all

elected members and thanked past Chairman, Cr Tom Gilmore his previous leadership of FNQROC.

2739 Apologies

As noted.

INTRODUCTION TO FNQROC & MAYORS

2740 FNQROC Organisational Overview

The Deputy Chair provided a brief overview of the journey, organisational structure and core business of FNQROC.

The Deputy Chair emphasised the importance of working as a collaborative and the value of the return on investment to members of FNQROC.

Traditionally, FNQROC Board Meetings and FNQ RRTG meetings are held across the region providing an opportunity for individual councils to showcase regional initiatives and the Deputy Chair encouraged members to take up this opportunity when offered.


2741 FNQROC Mayoral Introductions

The Deputy Chair invited introductions of the new FNQROC Board, LGAQ and FNQROC Staff.

DISCUSSON TOPICS

2742 Impact of COVID-19 on the FNQROC Communities

The Deputy Chair invited each Council member to provide an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on individual communities and current actions in place.

It was noted by all FNQROC Councils that following COVID-19 protocols many community facilities had been closed, events cancelled or postponed and communities following self-isolation and hygiene protocols as per the Qld Government directives.

Cairns Regional Council

• Actions: Libraries closed and 109 CRC staff on stand-down; CRC has set up a Committee Structure looking at the Economic and Social impacts and report up to a Leadership Group including Hon Warren Entsch MP, Federal Member for Leichhardt and local MPs. Considering a variety of stimulus and recovery ideas and reliant on the Federal and State members to advocate on our behalf.

• Impacts: Cairns has been severely impacted. The city would normally have 50-55,000 visitors, however presently the estimation would be in the vicinity of 1,000. International aircraft and visitors are zero and it will be some time until things change. Focussing on the domestic and neighbouring international markets of NZ and Japan, which makes up 2/3 of the Cairns market, there may be an opportunity to come out of this stronger and faster than expected. As a global pandemic, the world is currently at a level playing field.

Carpentaria Shire Council

• Actions: Council acted early putting non-essential travel restrictions in place, with all road and air travel in/out closed since 31 March; Most applications have been freight related with very few refused.

• Impacts: The North-West is currently COVID free and council want to see it stay that way.

Cassowary Coast Regional Council

• Actions: Council established a Pandemic Committee, with Social and Economic Development Sub-Committees sitting underneath and reporting up to leadership. Operating in similar fashion to other emergency events, which means that we have brought the Operational Sub- committees back through the Disaster Coordinators role, with the central point of truth being Qld Health.

• Impacts: Not as impacted as Cairns, however examining the impact on budget processes.

Cook Shire Council

• Actions: Council currently operating on 2 levels, from a Council perspective have been successful in retaining all staff, with library and pool staff rediverted into other roles; The main operational change has been the introduction of the Biosecurity Determination on 26 March with applications divided into three (3) categories of essential worker, returning resident and exemptions. This Commonwealth legislation, implemented by the State, has resulted in checkpoint setups such as that on the Mulligan Highway.


• Impacts: State Government is essentially relying on council to take on a frontline services role, with council staff handling many calls each day. Applications go to a delegated team within the LDMG (Chaired by the Mayor) and the group seek guidance via the Human Bio-Security Officers who have the authority to set the parameters as to who gains entry. Testing process with changes daily.

Croydon Shire Council

• Actions: Some council buildings, including the library has been closed, but currently still have all council staff at work. Good planning and response within community.

• Impacts: Minimal impact on the community and to date not aware of any job losses. No tourists visiting.

Douglas

• Actions: Three (3) reported cases which were treated in Cairns, resulting in council taking serious precautions. Whilst not part of the Bio-Security Determination, we do have the Mossman Gorge community and implemented some protective measures there, we also restricted the ferry to residents only as some tourists were trying to access the area and council do not have the resources to manage. Only stood down a small number of casual staff and diverted other staff into new roles. Library closed and moved to online or home delivery service. Implemented Economic and Social Sub-Committee.

• Impacts: Huge impact on tourism as to be expected and hit on revenue through Caravan Parks, etc. Economic package to be considered at Douglas council meeting 28 April, including lease relief, etc.

Etheridge Shire Council

• Actions: Etheridge Shire is COVID free and attendance at LDMG and VDMG meetings have been very good. Schools and childcare centres remain open, with the library and parks closed. Workforce still intact, with every aspect of workforce as normal.

• Impacts: Community adhering to COVID protocols and participating well, however Council very aware of the complacency that may come in as restrictions relax and therefore keeping a close eye on things as they progress.

Hinchinbrook Shire Council

• Actions: The community are complying with all directives as issued and council have retained all staff.

• Impacts: Tourism has been impacted but not to the degree of Cairns and Douglas Shires, however the Ag sector is effectively unaffected and an interesting observation is a significant number of retailers are indicating profits are up as residents buy locally, rather than in Townsville; Relief Packages will be considered at council meeting tomorrow (28 April).

Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council

• Actions: Council was already working closely with Cook and Wujal Wujal Shires on a permit system that was working well and then the Biosecurity Determination legislation come into play and things have been different since then. Hope Vale has been part of a lockdown area and therefore in a sense has been more secure than many other ROC communities. Because of the lockdown as a council we have been able to function quite normally with some construction works continuing and building materials has been part of the essential service. Community observing social distancing protocols very well and local police are doing a great job in assisting with communication. Schools remain open and there is the opportunity for ‘free-trade’ with Cook Shire which has been important to the community.

• Impacts: Reliant on the QPS Checkpoints to stay protected. As council is within the biosecurity area the Chair of LDMG considers applications daily for returning residents and/or essential workers.


Mareeba Shire Council

• Actions: In terms of council operations same as many other ROC councils have experienced.

• Impacts: Impacts very mixed, with the extreme impact in Kuranda with almost all facilities/services shut down and zero tourists, through to other smaller communities who have experience almost no impact at all. Some sectors of retail industry doing well with local profits up, with others hit hard and may not reopen. Ag sector, mixed with some doing well and others struggling (i.e. Avocado/Lime markets disappearing); Biosecurity quarantine and road blocks have caused major issues for council as many residents live/work across checkpoints and therefore permits needed frequently and added workload to council staff.

Tablelands Regional Council

• Actions: Internally Continuity Leadership Team established. Undertaken significant body of work around Corporate Business Continuity Framework, Business Continuity Plan and Pandemic Plan and Scenario Planning. Significant number of staff working from home and council was planning to undertake a CLOUD migration which has now been brought forward. To adhere to social distance protocols, acquired additional vehicles have been purchased for outdoor field staff enabling 1 staff member per car. Atherton hospital well prepared with fever clinic setup, but to date only 4 cases confirmed on the Tablelands. Council has not stood up the Economic Sub-committee as yet, but do have a Community Sub-group under our LDMG, however council has contacted over 200 local businesses to see how they are tracking and that will inform future measures.

• Impacts: Tourism has taken a significant hit, particularly linked to the closure of Tinaroo Falls and Dam, which is a strong generator of tourism visitation for the region. Impacts on external organisations include NDIS suppliers with a delayed rollout in the region; significant volunteers stood themselves down, as many fell within the high-risk area. Council on Thursday will be having its first ordinary meeting and will be considering several relief measures, if adopted will cost council in the order of $600,000.00 or the equivalent of 2.5% in rates revenue.

Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council

• Actions: Similarly, as part of the Biosecurity zone council has been working closely with both Cook and Hope Vale Shires. Business as usual, except for the closing of the Indigenous Knowledge Centre (IKC) and Community Hall as per Government directives. Council have made these facilities available to boarding school students currently utilising the Council Training room and IKC for studying whilst navigating social distancing protocols.

• Impacts: As noted by Cook Shire, biosecurity rules change continuously re what is an essential service and the process for people to come into the region. Ongoing challenge is the need for 14 days self-isolation and the fact that it needs to occur outside of the biosecurity area. A lot of residents do not fit the criteria for free accommodation and do not have the resources to pay themselves and therefore living rough.

Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council

• Actions: Council welcomed the introduction of biosecurity measures and busy working with LDMG and QPS. Council mobilised supplies into community early, to ensure consistent availability. Working hard with Sub-committee in the development of a Pandemic Action Plan and mobilising resources aligned to the Action Plan and setup other sub-committees to look at key areas, such as Education. CEO acknowledge collaboration with localised response.

• Impacts: Challenge around people coming and going and the definition of an essential service as the community becomes restless. Many community members suffer from chronic disease and other medial episodes, is very challenging. Seeing anecdotally an increase in withdrawals, as well as looking at some of the challenges around alcohol and substance abuse. Experienced some increased traffic access and this is testing some biosecurity restrictions and now have land & water police assisting to manage this.


The Deputy Chair noted that individually councils appear to have recovery groups established, but noted that it was essential as a region that we work collaboratively to pull ourselves out of the current situation and retrospectively we know from the GFC and Ansett collapse that Cairns took longer to recover than broader Queensland and Australia as a whole and invited additional comments from the Executive Officer.

D Irvine noted that historically we have pulled out way behind and this is an opportunity to get on the front foot to minimise the lagging.

The Qld Reconstruction Authority had been working with CRC and are available to provide assistance and workshop to aid in the development of recovery plans.

D Irvine noted that she had been participating in the Cairns Regional Council Sub-committee and it would be beneficial to the region to be across individual plans and ideas for recovery. She requested that as these are developed, they are sent to her.

ACTION: As council develop their recovery plans please send to the Executive Officer.

2743 Future Meetings

FNQROC Board Meetings

The Deputy Chair noted that normally the FNQROC Board Meetings would be held bi-monthly and followed by the FNQ RRTG Meeting. Noting the current COVID-19 travel restrictions it is difficult to meet in person and suggested meeting online more frequently for a shorter period until restrictions are lifted. It was agreed it was important to keep continue meeting as a collective, particularly through this challenging time and suggested dealing with smaller issues more regularly or with the flexibility to respond as issues arise.

D Irvine suggested convening in two (2) weeks and inviting Alex Marsh (QRA) to present on the support they can provide to councils through the development of Economic Recovery Plans and workshops. J Andrejic (CRC) noted that there may also be some visibility on the State Economic Recovery Structure at that time.

ACTION: It was agreed that D Irvine coordinate Alex March (QRA) to present to the FNQROC Board on Monday 11th May at 10:00am via video conference.

FNQ RRTG Meetings

It was proposed that the next FNQ RRTG meeting be held online on Tuesday 5th May 2020 to explain to the incoming board how the RRTG works and endorse an amended program to achieve full expenditure for the 2019/2020 financial year.

ACTION: ALL Council members to nominate individual FNQ RRTG representatives and advise D Irvine ASAP.

11:00am – Cr Manning departed the meeting

STRATEGIC OPERATION PLAN

2744 Current FNQROC Funded Projects

D Irvine provided an update on the current projects which are funded by FNQROC:

1. FNQ Regional Road Investment Strategy

- Undertaken by Jacobs covering heavy vehicle, tourist and first-last mile networks across the

region. The final report has taken longer than envisaged, but the directive from the previous

board was to have the report right, rather than on time. Due within the month.


2. FNQROC Dam Study

• Undertaken by Aurecon – study accessing the regional economic benefits to regions using 60 years

as a minimum timeframe. Undertaking the study across four (4) dams against a no dams base case,

the FNQROC base case is Rockhampton. The study is broken into 2 sections, the pilot case is

Rockhampton Dam against Tinaroo, to test our theory before commencing work on others. The first

draft component of the study is due any day.

3. Regional Procurement Tenders

- Bitumen Reseal (Tenders opened 11 April 2020) and 7th year in operation.

- Sewer Relining & Condition Assessment (Tenders opened 25 April 2020) and secured 50%

funding for the Sewer Relining Coordinator role.

4. Mobile Audit Data Study

- Identified all the mobile blackspots across the region on heavy vehicle and tourism road

networks. There is a current joint project application (QUT and JCU led) to look at innovative

opportunities to remedy some of these blackspots. The audit data is available on the FNQROC

Website.

D Irvine noted that there are likely to be two (2) studies out to the board for comments in the coming month.

2745 FNQROC Operational Update

D Irvine noted that as this was not a usual Board Meeting and therefore several operational board functions

have not been included in this agenda, such as endorsing previous minutes, action items and financials.

The Deputy Chair noted that FNQROC has been recognised as one of the best in Australia as far as

operational capacity and rungs on the board. D Irvine noted that we have approximately $1.5m in reserve

and offered to circulate the most recent financials, particularly for the interest of new Mayors.

The Deputy Chair noted that the FNQROC staff are available to support all councils as needed.

ACTION: L Richardson to circulate the recent financials with the minutes.

2746 LGAQ Update

The Deputy Chair invited LGAQ to provide an outline of the Battleplan for Queensland Local Communities –

Local government’s response to COVID-19.

S Britton advised on the 19th April, LGAQ published the $608m Battleplan for Local Communities. It is a

partnership proposal submitted to the State on behalf of all councils in the State as a proposed ‘next step’

to help communities emerge from the pandemic safe and strong. Effectively designed to support the

creation and sustaining of 14,000 jobs across Queensland via three (3) main initiatives:

1. Job Recovery: $200m state-wide job creation program modelled off W4Q ($100m SEQ / $100m

rest of state); Over and above W4Q funding, which will continue at current level with current

regional restrictions in place.

2. Green Army: Creating a workforce of approximately 3000 strong across the state focussed on

protecting and improving the environment, particularly for the agricultural and tourism sectors.

3. LG Apprentice and Traineeship Guarantee: Looking at providing opportunities for about 800 new

or displaced workers with guaranteed pathways to gaining critical experience and skills.


All initiatives and many more, including the ‘roll forward’ of many programs from within the State Budget

Submission, say for example we are looking to roll forward investment in TIDS funding. The budget

submission at the time was for $10m in the next financial year as a top-up as part of a pathway towards

taking that program to $100m pa, what we are effectively seeking now is for 20/21 allocation for that

program to be increased to $20m and more importantly given the impact on council finances in the short-

term we are seeking for that funding to be a straight allocation, not the usual 50/50 matched funding.

At the end of the day, the big issue is about focussing on local jobs and local projects. We know that LG

delivers value for money on the ground, it is about supporting councils to continue doing that and keep their

workforce strong and position communities for strong recovery. Messaging is that we are not just looking

for a handout, we are stand by ready and ready to do heavy lifting to support that recovery.

The Deputy Chair noted that LGAQ have been a good supporter of FNQROC and noted that we are coming

into State elections and need to be clear on collective strategies moving forward.

NEXT MEETING

2747 Next Meeting

The Deputy Chair thanked the board for their time and extended congratulations to all incoming Mayors.

The next FNQROC Board meeting is scheduled for Monday 11th May 2020 @ 10:00am.

Meeting Close: 11:10am

………………………………….

Cr Peter Scott

Deputy Chair


ACTION ITEMS: 27 April 2020

Minute Number

Action Responsible Person(s)

Status


FNQROC L Richardson / D Irvine

Carried over to June 2020


TTNQ M Olsen

Complete

2718

L Hannan (LGAQ) to take on notice timeframe for legislation changes and report to FNQROC when clear timeframes known

LGAQ L Hannan

Complete


FNQROC L Richardson

Complete

2723b

Chair requested D Irvine/L Rankine to follow up with Telstra to determine indicative pricing for data to support the RRIS Tourism Routes.

FNQROC D Irvine / L Rankine

2735a

C Baker (LGAQ) to take on notice raised queries relating to commencement date for Conflict of Interest provisions and known dates for expected second reading of the LGEOLA (Stage 2 Belcarra) Bill and report back to FNQROC

LGAQ C Baker

Complete

2735b

C Baker (LGAQ) to highlight concerns raised re Informal/Closed Meeting Provisions with Intergovernmental Relations team who are leading draft LGAQ submission

LGAQ C Baker

Complete

2735c

D Irvine (FNQROC) to draft a submission re Informal Meeting/Closed Meeting Provisions for submission to DLGRMA by 7 February 2020

FNQROC D Irvine

Complete

2742 As councils develop their recovery plans please send to the Executive Officer. All Councils

2743a

D Irvine coordinate Alex March (QRA) to present to the FNQROC Board on Monday 11th May at 10:00am via video conference.

FNQROC D Irvine

Complete

2743b ALL Council members to nominate individual FNQ RRTG representatives and advise D Irvine ASAP ALL Councils In progress

2745 L Richardson to circulate the recent financials with the minutes

FNQROC L Richardson

In progress

Representing: Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Flinders, McKinlay, Mount Isa, Richmond; Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Diamantina, Longreach, Winton; Balonne, Bulloo, Maranoa, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie

13 May 2020

Via email to: Cook, Croydon, Etheridge, Torres, Banana, Burdekin, Charters Towers, Douglas, Goondiwindi, Hinchinbrook, Isaac, North Burnett, Cassowary Coast, Central Highlands, Livingstone, Mareeba, South Burnett, Southern Downs, Tablelands, Western Downs, Whitsunday Dear Mayors Re: LGAQ Rural Water & Wastewater Guarantee – Response to Western Queensland Alliance of Councils

concerns (LGAQ correspondence dated 6 May 2020)

Greetings to you all from Western Queensland. We are writing to you on behalf of the 21 Councils across the north west, central west and south west of Queensland. We have come together under the banner of the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils (WQAC) to represent the views of our councils on matters of common concern to us as rural and remote councils. The WQAC is a collaboration between the three regional organisations of councils in Western Queensland – the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (NWQROC), the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) and the South West Local Government Association (SWLGA). As you are aware from a letter the LGAQ sent to you on 6 May, the WQAC has raised some concerns about elements of the above-mentioned proposal. The letter included our correspondence from 20 April which set out the issues we had identified to which LGAQ has provided a response. In writing to the eligible councils under the proposed program the LGAQ has sought further responses and asked for any concerns to be identified. Attached is the latest response from the WQAC prepared on behalf of the 21 members of the three regional organisations. Firstly, the councils fully support the LGAQ’s initiative to secure a dedicated funding program for water and wastewater infrastructure. This has been a long-term objective to support the most essential of community infrastructure – security of supply for safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment, reuse, and disposal. Whilst fully supporting this objective we regret we cannot agree to the framework as currently drafted on the basis of unnecessary and unjustified complexity and have called for it to be redrafted citing the highly successful Works for Queensland (W4Q) program as a base on which to build a specific program for water and wastewater. This suggestion is also in line with LGAQ’s own position on the reform of State Government grants and subsidies, namely, keeping the arrangements as simple as possible. Regrettably, the currently proposed framework, we believe, is at odds with that position. As you consider your response to the proposal we ask that you consider the issues we have raised in the attached letter (13 May) and our previous response sent by LGAQ on 6 May. Our objective is to achieve a program that secures the best possible outcome for all the stakeholders involved in a realistic and manageable fashion.

Representing: Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Flinders, McKinlay, Mount Isa, Richmond; Barcaldine, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Boulia, Diamantina, Longreach, Winton; Balonne, Bulloo, Maranoa, Murweh, Paroo, Quilpie

Should you wish to discuss this matter with us, we can be reached on the following contacts. Yours sincerely

NWQROC RAPAD South West LGA

Cr Jack Bawden Mayor Carpentaria Shire Council Chair, NWQROC Ph: 0427 459 424

Cr Tony Rayner Mayor Longreach Regional Council Chair, RAPAD Ph: 0418 961 372

Cr Samantha O’Toole Mayor Balonne Shire Council Chair, SWLGA

Ph: 0428 887 100

Cc: Darlene Irvine - Executive Officer FNQ Regional Organisation of Councils [email protected]

Laura Vidmar - Executive Officer NQ Regional Organisation of Councils [email protected]

tel:0418961372

mailto:[email protected]


Profit and Loss - Groups 2 Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils 30241

Profit and LossFar North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils 30241For the 11 months ended 31 May 2020

JUL 2019-MAY 2020

Trading IncomeFNQROC

FNQROC: Annual Contribution 486,364.00Total FNQROC 486,364.00

Regional Roads & TransportRRTG: Annual 2.75% contribution 132,083.75

RRTG: Funding/Subsidies 142,866.00Total Regional Roads & Transport 274,949.75

Regional Procurement GroupRegional Procurement: Annual Procurement Contribution 150,009.09

Regional Procurement: Regional Scrap Metal Project 20% savings 28,969.12

QWRAP Short Term Project - Sewer Relining 14,287.50

20% Sodium Hypochlorite Savings Contribution 3,037.53Total Regional Procurement Group 196,303.24

Total Trading Income 957,616.99

Gross Profit 957,616.99

Other IncomeInterest Income 1,485.09

Total Other Income 1,485.09

Operating ExpensesAudit & Accounting Fees 1,081.82

Bank Service Charges 602.26

FNQROCFNQROC: Subscription/membership 15,016.36

FNQROC: Chairs Honorarium 4,500.00

FNQROC: Mayoral delegations - accommodation, meals, travel expenses 18,115.57

FNQROC: External Meeting Expenses: Registration Fees 2,509.09

FNQROC: External Meeting Expenses: Travel, Accom & Meals 1,857.86

FNQROC: Internal Meeting Expenses: Miscellaneous 516.01

FNQROC: Internal Meeting Expenses: Catering 4,303.05

FNQROC Expenses: Miscellaneous: Staff Christmas Party 364.82

FNQROC: Mobile Phone Expenses 2,399.02

FNQROC: Salaries 174,005.01

FNQROC: Stationery & Office Expenses 7,637.59

FNQROC: Stationery & Office Expenses:Website 1,592.09

FNQROC: Vehicle Expenses 15,540.38

FNQROC: Reimburse for FNQROC Dinner & Accomm (981.72)

FNQROC Advocacy / Emergent Delegations 2,992.48

FNQROC Short term project - Mobile Black Spot 56,128.26

Profit and Loss

JUL 2019-MAY 2020


FNQROC: RMCN reimbursement expenses (software subscription) 28.17Total FNQROC 306,524.04

InfrastructureInfrastructure: Salaries 115,361.27

Infrastructure: Mobile Phone Expenses 508.15Total Infrastructure 115,869.42

Regional Roads & TransportRegional Road Investment Strategy 49,820.86

RRTG: External Meetings: Registration Fees 813.64

RRTG: External Meetings: Travel, Accom & Meals 3,726.12

RRTG: Internal Meeting Expenses: Catering 375.50

RRTG: Internal Meeting Expenses: Miscellaneous 2,101.75Total Regional Roads & Transport 56,837.87

Regional Waste & RecyclingWaste: Internal Meeting Expenses: Catering 200.91

Waste: External Meeting Expenses: Travel, Accomm & Meals 633.35Total Regional Waste & Recycling 834.26

Regional Natural Asset ManagementNat Asset: Vehicle Expense 3,741.64

Nat Asset: External Meetings: Travel, Accom & Meals 802.89

Nat Asset: Internal Meeting Expenses: Catering 652.93

Nat Asset:Mobile Phone Expenses 508.15

Nat Asset: Salaries 102,626.26

Nat Asset:Subscription/membership fees 1,500.00

Nat Asset: Stationery & Office Expenses 492.79

Nat Asset: GIS Software 2,725.00

Nat Asset: Miscellaneous 472.50Total Regional Natural Asset Management 113,522.16

Regional Planning & Economic DevelopmentReg Planner/economic developmen: External Meetings: Travel, Accom & Meals 7.36

Reg Planner/economic development: Internal Meeting Expenses: Catering 620.54

Reg Planner/economic development: Mobile Phone Expenses 508.15

Reg Planner/economic development: Salaries 39,853.02

Reg Planner/economic development: External Meetings Expenses: Registration 640.45Total Regional Planning & Economic Development 41,629.52

Regional ProcurementRegional Procurement: Bitumen Reseal Project:Project Coordinator Fees 47,800.00

Regional Procurement: Bitumen Reseal Project 607.27

Regional Procurement: Sewer Relining 9,944.55

Regional Procurement: Standardised Procurement documentation 40,000.00

Regional Procurement: External Meetings Expenses: Registration Fees (800.00)

Regional Procurement:Internal Meeting Expenses: Catering 389.55

Regional Procurement: Internal Meeting Expenses: Miscellaneous 8.18

Regional Procurement: Mobile Phone Expenses 508.15

Regional Procurement: Salaries 104,119.18

Profit and Loss

JUL 2019-MAY 2020


Regional Procurement: Stationery & Office Expenses 98.71Total Regional Procurement 202,675.59

Regional Development ManualRegional Development Manual: Internal Meeting Expenses: Catering 189.09

Regional Development Manual: Stationery & Office Expenses 1,835.63Total Regional Development Manual 2,024.72

Asset ManagementAsset Management: Internal Meeting Expenses: Catering 635.42

Asset Management: External Meetings Expenses: Registration 1,200.00

Asset: External Meetings:Travel, Accom & Meals 1,106.77Total Asset Management 2,942.19

Total Operating Expenses 844,543.85

Net Profit 114,558.23

Balance Sheet Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils 30241

Balance SheetFar North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils 30241As at 31 May 2020

31 MAY 2020

AssetsBank

Cheque Account 51,339.00

V2 Account 1,586,765.89Total Bank 1,638,104.89

Total Assets 1,638,104.89

LiabilitiesCurrent Liabilities

Accounts Payable 77,451.99

ANZ Credit Card:FNQROC 2,211.22

GST 1,200.89

Payroll Liabilities:AL Payable Current 55,480.00

Payroll Liabilities:AL Payable Non Current 730.00

Payroll Liabilities:LSL Payable Current 7,999.00

Payroll Liabilities:LSL Payable Non-Current 87,161.00

Rounding (0.08)Total Current Liabilities 232,234.02

Total Liabilities 232,234.02

Net Assets 1,405,870.87

EquityCurrent Year Earnings 114,558.23

Opening Bal Equity 293,928.07

Retained Earnings 997,384.57

Total Equity 1,405,870.87

MEETINGS ATTENDED BY: DARLENE IRVINE, FNQROC EXECUTIVE OFFICER

FOR THE PERIOD 01 FEB – 31 MAY 2020

2020 MEETING DETAILS

03 February FNQROC Board Meeting

FNQ RRTG Meeting

FNQROC Regional Procurement & Contract Documentation Meeting

04 February FNQ Ag Supply Chain Study Steering Committee Meeting

07 February Wet Tropics Management Authority re Climate Adaption

10 February RDA Marine Taskforce Meeting

11 Feb – 26 Feb ANNUAL LEAVE

06 March Wet Tropics Management Authority re Creating our Climate Future Forum

09 March Savannah Way Board Meeting

10 March Cairns Chamber of Commerce Mayoral Election Debate

11 March Meeting with Ross Hodgman (TMR)

Meeting with Danielle Carey (RDA)

FNQ Ag Supply Chain Study Steering Committee Meeting

13 March FNQ Road Safety Taskforce

20 March Strategic LG Asset Assessment Project Meeting

23 March Extra Ordinary Cairns DDMG Meeting – COVID 19

24 March Cairns COVID-19 Business Reference Group Meeting

Cairns to Northern Tablelands Access Strategy Meeting

COVID-19 Economic Response and Recovery Sub-Committee Meeting

26 March Tele-conference with NQ and NW ROCs re COVID-19

27 March Tele-conference with TMR re Cairns to Tablelands Access Strategy

DDMG Qld Health Briefing to FN Councils re COVID-19

31 March RASN Moderation Tender Evaluation

COVID-19 Economic Response & Recovery Sub-Committee Meeting

07 April COVID-19 Economic Response & Recovery Sub-Committee Meeting

16 April Qld Water Essentials Webinar

17 April DDMG Teleconference re COVID-19

FNQROC Development Manual – Landscaping Meeting

20 April The impact of COVID-19 on your local economy Webinar with Economy .id

21 April COVID-19 Economic Response & Recovery Sub-Committee Meeting

23 April COVID-19 Industry and Business Reference Group Meeting

Qld Water The Essentials Webinar

24 April SWL Board Meeting (Tele-call)

of 2

27 April FNQROC Board Meeting via Video/Tele call

01 May FNQROC Development Manual – Landscaping with CRC

05 May FNQ RRTG Board Meeting

Tele call with Cr Bob Manning, CRC re regional priorities

07 May Qld Water The Essentials Webinar


11 May FNQROC Board Presentation by QRA

12 May DDMR Cairns Tele-conference

14 May FNQROC Western Councils Meeting via Video/Tele Call

FNQROC Dam Case Study Meeting

15 May FNQROC Development Manual – Landscaping & Irrigation Specifications

18 May RASN Final Panel Evaluation

19 May Meeting with Cr Bob Manning, CRC

21 May Meeting with Cr Bob Manning, CRC

Qld Water The Essentials Webinar

Meeting with Anne Stunzner (new FNQROC Advisor)


22 May FNQROC Development Manual – Landscaping & Irrigation Specifications

LGAQ Update

Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils Meeting

Friday 19 June 2020

Page 1 of 13 LGAQ Contact Officer: Sarah Buckler E: [email protected] P: 3000 2296 LGAQ ROC Coordinator: Grace McSorley E: [email protected] P: 3000 2296

DATE Monday, 15 June 2020 TO: Cr Bob Manning – Mayor, Cairns Regional Council SUBJECT LGAQ Policy Executive Update for Far North Queensland Regional Organisation

of Councils Meeting – Friday 19 June 2020

Key Activities Summary This brief provides an update on the following key LGAQ activities:

1. COVID-19 Funding Advocacy - Battleplan for Queensland local communities

2. COVID-19 impact on councils

3. Local government legislation update

4. 2020 local government elections: review of ECQ’s performance

5. Waste Update

6. Review of the Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017

7. Planning & Development Update – COVID-19 issues and responses

8. 1080 Stockpile Depletion and Commencement of Medicines and Poisons Act

2019

9. Support for local government biosecurity planning

10. Reef Advocacy

11. Harmonising State Resilience Approaches Project

12. Queensland Climate Resilient Councils Program (Q CRC)

13. Review of Local Government Training Package (LGA04)

14. Rural Water and Wastewater Guarantee

15. Event – BioEconomy

16. COVID-19 Water Supply Steering Committee

17. Casualisation of Workforce

18. LGAQ Submissions Update

LGAQ Update


Friday 19 June 2020


1. COVID-19 Funding Advocacy - Battleplan for Queensland local communities

• Battleplan funding advocacy continues at a State and Federal level with the focus now on

securing funding for Green Army, Tourism and Agricultural Initiatives.

State Government

• On 15 May, in response to a direct response by the Premier and on behalf of Queensland’s 77

Councils, LGAQ submitted a comprehensive list of “Shovel Ready” projects to the Queensland

Government as part of its Battleplan for Queensland Local Communities funding advocacy

strategy. The plan’s key initiatives include:

o Jobs Recovery Package: A $200million statewide job-creating program modelled on the successful Works for Queensland initiative

o Green Army: A 3000-strong workforce focused on protecting and improving the environment across the state for the benefit of critical sectors such as agriculture and tourism.

o Local Government Apprenticeship and Traineeship Guarantee: Providing 800 new or displaced workers with a guaranteed pathway to gain critical experience and skills.

• On 19 May the Queensland Premier released the Unite and Recover for Queensland Jobs

economic recovery strategy which included a $200 million COVID Works for Queensland (W4Q)

program. This funding welcomed by the LGAQ and member councils for its alignment with the

Jobs Recovery component of our Battleplan.

• This COVID-focused program is new money in addition to the original $600 million W4Q.

Early estimates are that it will create or support upwards of another 6,000 jobs. Importantly, all

Queensland councils are eligible for the program.

• The Premier has provided written assurance to the Longreach Regional Council that an

allocation of $2 million will be made to support the deficit in childcare funding through an inability

to access JobKeeper funding and the Federal commitment to make childcare free. It is currently

estimated to be costing councils who provide this service more than $150,000 per week. It is

understood an announcement will be made formally by the Department of Education.

Federal Government

• On 22 May 2020, the Federal Government announced a $500 million Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program for local government. Queensland Councils will receive approximately $101million as a result of this funding package.

• The Government further announced that $1.3 billion in Financial Assistance Grants funding would be brought forward.

• The LGAQ welcomed the announcement of the community infrastructure funding and to support local economic activity. The LGAQ cautiously noted the bring forward of the financial assistance grants acknowledging this will have benefits for councils experiencing cash flow challenges, but if extra funding flows are not assured in future years the financial sustainability of councils and their communities is worsened by this approach.

LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Shayne Sutton, Acting Lead – Intergovernmental Relations

https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program/index.aspx

https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructure-program/index.aspx

LGAQ Update


Friday 19 June 2020


2. COVID-19 impact on councils

• On 22 April 2020 Queensland State Parliament passed legislative changes that represent the

second stage of the State Government’s COVID-19 response, the COVID-19 Emergency

Response Act and Appropriation (COVID-19) Act.

• On 22 May the Justice and Other Legislation (COVID-19 Emergency Response) Amendment Bill 2020 was passed. Key features of the bill that relate to local government:

o Regulatory changes we have recently put in place have also ensured councils can meet in different ways and different forms while meeting their obligations for accountability and transparency

o Grant administration processes have also been modified to help lighten the load for councils at this time.

o Works for Queensland program guidelines for 2019-21, allowing some councils to access their allocations for use in COVID-19 response programs and activities

o councils have the flexibility to revisit their rates decisions later in the financial year if necessary

o The bill amends the City of Brisbane Act and the Local Government Act to provide a temporary regulation-making power until 30 June 2020-21.

o A regulation may be made under this head of power that would enable all local governments to decide, by resolution made at a meeting other than the budget meeting for the 2020-21 year, what rates and charges are to be levied for part of the 2020-21 financial year.

o The amendments provide a head of power for necessary regulation amendments to treat this ‘extraordinary decision’ of the council as an amendment to its budget. Minor technical amendments also provide for the original rates decision and previous extraordinary decisions to cease to have effect for the relevant part of the financial year once an extraordinary decision is made.

Easing of Restrictions

• In early May, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk released Queensland’s Roadmap to Easing COVID-19 restrictions. The roadmap outlines a staged recovery approach for various sectors.

• Importantly, council’s role is limited to ‘complaints’ received via the State Government and will NOT require proactive inspections. The State Government is managing the Complaints Management System on 13Q GOV.

• The Roadmap implements the Queensland Disaster Management Cabinet Committee decision of 28 May 2020 to support a three-stage plan to ease remote restrictions in line with the National Cabinet Framework and Queensland’s COVID-19 Roadmap.

• Stage 2 of the Roadmap to easing restrictions began at midday on 1 June 2020. o All gatherings still require COVID SAFE checklist or COVID SAFE Industry Plan. o Current Interstate border control measures will remain in place and reviewed for Stage 3 of

the Roadmap, commencing on 10 July 2020.

LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Georgia Stafford, Lead – Intergovernmental Relations

3. Local government legislation update

• On 23 April 2020, the LGAQ appeared at a hearing of the Economics and Governance Committee

on the feasibility of introducing expenditure caps for local government elections.

o The LGAQ has long been supportive of the introduction of expenditure caps for council

elections but noted at the hearing the importance of striking a balance between ensuring

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/TabledPapers/2020/5620T636.pdf





https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/127150/DPC7309-COVID-19-Restrictions-roadmap.pdf

https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/127150/DPC7309-COVID-19-Restrictions-roadmap.pdf

https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/roadmap-to-easing-queenslands-restrictions

https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/government-actions/roadmap-to-easing-queenslands-restrictions

LGAQ Update


Friday 19 June 2020


freedom of political communication and ensuring that running for political office is not restricted

to the wealthy.

o The Committee will table its report on the inquiry in due course. However, this reform is unlikely

to be progressed quickly in the current climate.

• The Electoral and Other Legislation (Accountability, Integrity and Other Matters) Amendment Bill

2019 has still not been debated by Parliament, even though it was introduced on 28 November

2019 and the Committee tabled its report on it on 7 February 2020.

o Disappointingly the Bill has now been delayed again with Attorney-General Yvette D’Ath telling

the House in a letter tabled out of session on 6 May 2020 that matters relevant to the Bill are

still under consideration.

o To provide certainty to councils, the LGAQ has called on the Government to pass the new laws

to coincide with the three-month amnesty – from May 5 to August 5 - for first time councillors

and mayors announced by the Office of the Independent Assessor.

• In practical terms, this delay means that councils continue to operate under the old framework for

dealing with conflicts of interest and that DLGRMA’s voluntary induction training for newly elected

councillors will also cover this old regime. Elected members will need to be trained in the new

regime once the Bill has been passed.

LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Stephan Bohnen, Lead – Intergovernmental Relations

4. 2020 local government elections: review of ECQ’s performance

• The Legal Affairs and Community Safety Committee has conducted an inquiry into the Electoral

Commission of Queensland’s online publication of preliminary and formal counts of the votes cast

in the local government elections and state by-elections held on 28 March 2020.

• To inform the LGAQ’s submission to the Committee, the LGAQ undertook a survey of mayors,

councillors and council CEOs and received submissions from councils with feedback on ECQ’s

conduct of the elections.

• The LGAQ made its submission on 13 May 2020 and appeared before the Committee on 15 May

2020.

• The LGAQ would like to thank everyone who made a submission and/or completed the survey.

The LGAQ is extremely grateful for the efforts of member councils given the limited timeframe and

the broader issues being managed at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

• The LGAQ submission details a series of shortcomings that directly concern the remit of the

inquiry, i.e. the counting and publication of votes. Moreover, because it is the LGAQ’s view that

the scope of this inquiry is too narrow and does not afford effective consideration of the multitude

of issues that impacted the delivery of the election, the submission also identifies broader

strategic considerations.

• The submission makes a series of recommendations, including that a broader inquiry be

undertaken into the conduct of the 2020 local government elections to allow for the canvassing of

all relevant issues, including systematic analysis on how the 74 recommendations of the 2017

Soorley Report were implemented and what impeded their successful execution.

• The Committee’s report on the inquiry is available here.

LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Stephan Bohnen, Lead – Intergovernmental Relations

5. Waste Update

Waste Levy – Deferral of incremental increase

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/committees/LACSC/2020/ECQInquiry2020/submissions/024.pdf

https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/Documents/TableOffice/TabledPapers/2020/5620T837.pdf

LGAQ Update


Friday 19 June 2020


• On Friday 29 May 2020, the Department of Environment and Science (DES) advised that to assist

businesses in dealing with the financial impacts of COVID-19, the Queensland Government will

be deferring the increase of waste levy rates originally scheduled to take effect from 1 July 2020.

• A six month deferral to 1 January 2021 has been approved.

• Waste levy will stay at $75 per tonne for general waste, and $105 and $155 per tonne for

regulated wastes until 31 December 2020.

• The deferral of the waste levy will not only impact on council fees and charges at landfill and

transfer stations, it may also have a financial impact on waste utility charges.

• Waste levy councils will need to review their business systems and processes to ensure the

deferral is incorporated in their business operations.

• The department has advised that the current levy obligations remain unchanged, including waste

measurement and recording, monthly data returns and monthly invoice payments.

• Furthermore, the department has stated that councils will not experience any different processes

with the first invoices for 2020-21 (the July levy period) and payment terms remaining the same.

Waste levy – Advance payments to councils

• On 2 June, DES advised that advance payments to local councils were being reviewed and that

consideration was being given to quarterly (in arrears payments).

• There were considerable concerns raised at the Local Government Waste Management (COVID

19) Consultation Group meeting that this would NOT be an acceptable outcome and would require

councils to carry debt each quarter.

• Following the escalation of these concerns, DES announced at the State Government Waste

Industry Consultation Group meeting on 3 June that quarterly payments would commence however

these would now be made in advance with the first payment made in July 2020 and NOT in arrears

in October 2020.

Waste Management and Resource Recovery - COVID 19

• The LGAQ is a member on the State Government (DES) Waste Management Industry

Consultation Group that was formed on 1 April 2020 and meets fortnightly to discuss COVID 19

related matters and last met on 3 June 2020.

• Membership of the group includes several senior DES officers including the DG, DDG’s, ED’s, along

with WMRR, WRIQ, ACOR, LGAQ and a number of industry groups/providers.

• The primary purpose of the consultation group is to support the waste management sector

throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by identifying and resolving critical issues as they arise.

• Recent key discussions have centred around the implications of the treatment of waste levy bad debt, 6 month deferral of the waste levy incremental increase and the need for the waste industry and government working alongside in providing appropriate responses towards economic recovery.

• In response to this issue and the escalating need for ongoing communication, the LGAQ has since

formed a Local Government Waste Management (COVID 19) Consultation Group.

• The purpose of the LG group is to provide an opportunity for councils to come together, have

conversations, provide updates and advise/escalate issues that they would like raised on their

behalf at the State Government Consultation Group.

• Representatives from DES and Queensland Health also participate on this LG consultation group

providing councils both timely and accurate updates.

• Approximately 20 councils participate in the LG consultation group with broad representation from

across Queensland.

LGAQ Update


Friday 19 June 2020


• Ongoing focus of the local government group and for participating councils remain the delivery of their waste management and resource recovery operations, treatment of waste levy bad debt, stockpiling, environmental regulation and economic recovery.

• The next Local Government (COVID 19) Consultation group meeting is scheduled for 16 June 2020

with all councils invited to participate.

LGAQ Waste Forum

• The LGAQ Waste Forum proposed for August 2020 has now been postponed and is likely to be scheduled for February 2021.

LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Robert Ferguson, Lead – Public Health and Waste

6. Review of the Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017

• The Queensland Government is undertaking a review of the Strong and Sustainable Resource Communities Act 2017 (SSRC Act). This review is being undertaken in accordance with the Government’s commitment to undertake a post-implementation review of the SSRC Act 18 months to two years after its commencement, which was on 30 March 2018.

• In March 2020, the LGAQ participated in a structured interview the with SSRC Review Team regarding the operation of the legislation, including gaps. Key points raised included: compensation for the costs of councils participating in Social Impact Assessment process; a greater focus on developing local supply chains supplying major project procurement needs; and action of workforce planning and development.

Lead contact for this matter: Kirsten Pietzner – Lead, Resource Communities and Regional Development

7. Planning & Development Update – COVID-19 issues and responses

• Following the Queensland Cabinet changes in May 2020, the Planning Group (in the former Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning), has now transitioned into Queensland Treasury.

• On 11 June 2020, the Queensland Treasurer and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning announced an extension to the COVID-19 emergency applicable event to 31 October 2020.

• The extension follows the planning legislation amendments made in mid-March 2020 (under the Public Health & Other Legislation (Public Health Emergency) Amendment Act 2020), and will allow declared uses to continue to restock 24-hours a day, seven days a week until the revised date.

• The decision also extends the period for persons to apply to the State Government for a temporary use licence (TUL), to alter application conditions or other operating constraints. The State Government has advised it is continuing to consult with councils prior to TULs being issued and a fact sheet regarding TULs has also been published following discussions between the LGAQ and the State Government.

• At this stage, no notice has been issued under the Planning Act 2016 or Economic Development Act 2012 to extend or suspend statutory timeframes. This provision will only be triggered if/when needed and there is no evidence that this is currently required.

• On 8 June 2020, the Titles Registry confirmed the electronic lodgement (eLodgement) of survey plans is now available. The eLodgement functionality follows ongoing advocacy by the LGAQ and Queensland councils, and the earlier changes that took effect on 27 April 2020 to enable electronic approval and transmission of survey plans.

• The State Government is now also currently considering a range of further planning and building related regulation amendments using broad powers under the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act 2020 to address outstanding concerns for councils, for example in relation to:

http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2020/6/11/extension-of-laws-so-supermarkets-can-continue-to-restock-around-the-clock

https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/planning/planning-legislation-amendment.html

https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/resources/declarations/declaration-of-use-covid-19-notice-mar-2020.pdf

http://dsdmip.qld.gov.au/resources/factsheet/temporary-use-licence-fact-sheet.pdf

https://lgonline.lgaq.asn.au/noticeboard/-/asset_publisher/lRk4/content/elodgement-of-survey-plans-now-available?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Flgonline.lgaq.asn.au%2Fnoticeboard%3Fp_p_id%3D101_INSTANCE_lRk4%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnormal%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_p_col_id%3Dcolumn-4%26p_p_col_pos%3D1%26p_p_col_count%3D2

https://lgonline.lgaq.asn.au/noticeboard/-/asset_publisher/lRk4/content/changes-to-dealings-with-survey-plans?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Flgonline.lgaq.asn.au%2Fnoticeboard%3Fp_p_id%3D101_INSTANCE_lRk4%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnormal%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_p_col_id%3Dcolumn-4%26p_p_col_pos%3D1%26p_p_col_count%3D2%26_101_INSTANCE_lRk4_advancedSearch%3Dfalse%26_101_INSTANCE_lRk4_keywords%3D%26_101_INSTANCE_lRk4_delta%3D20%26p_r_p_564233524_resetCur%3Dfalse%26_101_INSTANCE_lRk4_cur%3D2%26_101_INSTANCE_lRk4_andOperator%3Dtrue

https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/act-2020-013

https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/act-2020-013

LGAQ Update


Friday 19 June 2020


o the need for flexibility in public consultation requirements o requirements to keep hard copy documents o timeframes for legislative obligations in relation to building matters o site inspection arrangements.

• The LGAQ is a member of the State Government’s ‘Planning System Reference Group’ convened by Planning Group in Queensland Treasury, and has also recently been appointed as a permanent, ongoing member of the Ministerial Construction Council chaired by the Hon. Mick de Brenni MP, Minister for Housing and Public Works, Minister for Digital Technology and Minster for Sport.

• Through these and other forums, the LGAQ is continuing to engage with the State Government regarding the proposed further regulation amendments and a range of other economic recovery responses under consideration.

• Since mid-April 2020, the LGAQ has been convening fortnightly meetings of a Local Government Planning & Development COVID-19 Consultation Group, involving representatives from approximately 20-25 Queensland councils, to:

o provide for regular LGAQ updates in relation to planning and development matters associated with COVID-19

o identify and consider COVID-19 related planning and development issues and responses, and support information sharing between councils, and

o inform ongoing COVID-19 related advocacy/engagement activities, including in relation to: ▪ electronic execution and exchange of documents ▪ ensuring effective and equitable public consultation processes ▪ site inspection arrangements ▪ electronic approval and lodgement of survey plans ▪ increasing pressure from the development/building industry to, for example,

reduce/waiver fees, defer payment of infrastructure charges, extend construction hours/relax noise restrictions etc.

• Overall, councils are reporting that delivery of planning, building and plumbing/drainage functions has remained generally business as usual during COVID-19, and there is a strong commitment to support the building and construction industry and local economies – for example, through:

o maintaining high levels of service delivery, o ensuring no risk to public health and safety, o complying with statutory timeframes and o introducing a range of local economic recovery responses.

LGAQ Contact for this matter: Crystal Baker, Lead – Planning and Development

8. 1080 Stockpile Depletion and Commencement of Medicines and Poisons Act 2019

• The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF) recently sought feedback on the future supply of sodium fluoroacetate, known as 1080, a pesticide used to control feral animals.

• As a schedule 7 poison, 1080 manufacture, supply and use in Queensland is regulated by Queensland Health and the supply of fresh meat baits to landholders is by authorised State or local government officers.

• Since the 1970s, DAF has provided 1080 concentrate, associated stores, and a 1080 bait preparation service at no cost to local governments, or landholders, using a stockpile of 1080 powder. The original purchase of this stockpile was a Queensland Government commitment to exotic disease preparedness that was current at the time and was purchased using funds provided by Queensland Treasury. The intent was that, should an exotic emergency disease outbreak occur in Queensland, then large amounts of 1080 could be used during intensive baiting campaigns to reduce the risk of disease spread by invasive animals.

• Since then, a nationally-agreed approach has been developed for the response to emergency animal disease incidents in Australia, which is the Australian Veterinary Emergency Plan

https://lgonline.lgaq.asn.au/noticeboard/-/asset_publisher/lRk4/content/lgaq-invited-to-join-the-ministerial-construction-council?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Flgonline.lgaq.asn.au%2Fnoticeboard%3Fp_p_id%3D101_INSTANCE_lRk4%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnormal%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_p_col_id%3Dcolumn-4%26p_p_col_pos%3D1%26p_p_col_count%3D2

LGAQ Update


Friday 19 June 2020


(AUSVETPLAN). The focus of control is now prevention of spread to invasive animals, strategic control, and vaccination of animals, rather than large scale 1080 baiting programs.

• The current stockpile is now estimated to last until the end of 2020 at current usage rates, due to weather conditions. Once the stockpile is exhausted, 1080 concentrate will only be available from commercial 1080 providers.

• DAF are currently considering a range of approaches for the future supply of 1080 concentrate, including a detailed examination of the impacts of the cessation of the no-cost 1080 service, and will explore all alternative options available to assist local governments and landholders to continue to undertake fresh meat baiting.

• DAF is currently preparing a 1080 supply options paper for further consultation with councils. This review has been delayed by the delay in the state budget. That is, the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries are unable to determine exact options until they have an understanding of the funds available to them. It is hoped that the options paper will be provided to councils by October 2020 for review. The LGAQ continue to note that it is vital that all councils have the opportunity to provide detailed comments regarding the options.

• The Medicines and Poisons Act 2019, due to commence in July 2020, has been delayed as a result of COVID-19, particularly because of the redeployment of Queensland Health staff. It is likely the Act will now commence in early 2021, although the exact date is yet to be announced.

• There is now more time for council officers to achieve new competency requirements as a result of agvet chemical national harmonisation processes.

• The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries have been funding and delivering training programs to support local government biosecurity officers achieve the new competencies. Most training is continuing virtually, although some councils have elected to wait until face to face training is once again an option.

• The LGAQ is working with Queensland Health to prepare a factsheet about the Medicines and Poisons Act 1999 for local governments.

• The LGAQ will continue to update councils in relation to this matter as further information becomes available.

LGAQ Contact for this matter: Kristy Gooding, Lead – Natural Assets and NRM

9. Support for local government biosecurity planning

• Upon commencement of the Biosecurity Act 2014 in 2015, councils have had to deal with a change in approach to how invasive plants and animals are managed, particularly the application of risk-based decision making; understanding the General Biosecurity Obligation; and the requirement to establish a local government Biosecurity Plan.

• In response to this change and associated difficulties that have been conveyed by councils, the LGAQ have been working with Biosecurity Queensland to develop a range of tools and templates to assist councils to develop and implement Biosecurity Plans.

• These tools focus on how to: o Assess the risks associated with weeds and pest animals and identify how they should be

managed; o Set reasonable and practical measures to achieve management goals; and o Develop a compliance approach and build implementation capacity.

• Online training sessions for councils staff will be run from the 15th to the 26th June to demonstrate and explain how to use these tools. Sessions will be held online and are made up of three modules.

• Registrations can be made via the following address: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=626173

LGAQ Contact for this matter: Kristy Gooding, Lead – Natural Assets and NRM

https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=626173

LGAQ Update


Friday 19 June 2020


10. Reef Advocacy

• $380,000 has been secured through the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to commence the implementation of the Reef Councils Rescue Plan Cleaner Road Runoff (Unsealed Roads) initiative. Councils interested in the project should contact Dorean Erhart at [email protected]

• Public consultation on the Draft Revised Reef 2050 Plan is expected to commence in early June for 6 weeks. The LGAQ will be facilitating input from councils to the document.

• The Reef Advisory Committee of which the LGAQ is a member, met on 26 May 2020. The following comments about the draft plan were made: o Concerns the partnership focus is no longer driving the plan’s actions; o Plan may not be agile enough to allow investment and projects to rapidly adapt to respond

to sudden shocks to the Reef such as bleaching or cyclone damage; o Overall inclusion of the implications of climate change still absent.

• Additionally, the committee members raised concerns about the lack of input by members in the review of governance arrangements for the Reef Plan’s implementation.

• The Federal government representative undertook to ensure the independent reviewer would engage with each of the stakeholder groups represented on the committee.

• The LGAQ continues to proactively seek co-investment from government and other potential partners for the Reef Councils’ Rescue Plan – Cleaner Water for the Reef initiative.

• The initiative was developed and endorsed by reef-catchment councils and includes a strategic set of three initiatives that can make a real and practical difference to reef water quality and provide opportunities for local communities to participate.

• The Office of the Great Barrier Reef funded Stage 1 of the Cleaner Wastewater project which is working with Reef catchment councils to find alternatives to expensive tertiary treatment.

LGAQ Contact for this matter: Dorean Erhart, Lead – Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef

11. Harmonising State Resilience Approaches Project

• As part of the review of the Queensland Disaster Resilience Strategy, the QRA has engaged the

CSIRO to work with all key government agencies and key stakeholders such as the LGAQ and

Red Cross to align all the current approaches and tools designed to support State and local

government and key stakeholders to improve resilience to disaster risk.

• The LGAQ has advocated for alignment in State led processes that involve local governments to

reduce the time and resource impost placed on councils by multiple state agencies.

• To this end, the LGAQ has reached agreement with the Queensland Reconstruction Authority

(QRA) and Department of Environment and Science to develop a practical approach to integrating

climate risk considerations into the development of future Regional Resilience Strategies.

• The QRA and QFES have reached a similar alignment for the risk assessment phase of the

QFES’ program to update and improve District Disaster Management Plans.

• The QRA has piloted the development of four strategies using a more limited scope, working with

21 councils across 4 catchments and is currently working on a Burdekin Catchment flood

resilience strategy.

• The QRA is committed to supporting the development of Regional Resilience Strategies for every

catchment in Queensland by the end of 2021.

LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Dorean Erhart, Lead – Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef and Program Manager – Q CRC


https://www.qra.qld.gov.au/resilient-queensland/regional-resilience-plans

LGAQ Update


Friday 19 June 2020


12. Queensland Climate Resilient Councils Program (Q CRC)

• The Q CRC program is a State funded, LGAQ delivered partnership which builds councils'

capability to take action to respond to a changing climate through a range of services and

resource, including:

o in-house briefings with specialists about the implications of climate risks to councils and

community interests;

o detailed governance assessments to support best practice decision making;

o a framework for integrating climate risk management throughout council; and

o resources and tools that support each part of council to integrate climate risk into their

work, and peer to peer knowledge sharing.

• 40 councils are currently participating in the Program.

• Councils not currently in the program are invited to join.

• A briefing on the program and its services and products can be arranged on request.

Statewide Assessment of the consideration of climate risks in local government

• Governance is a critical component of ensuring scans for risks and the development of responses

occurs in a timely and consistent way.

• A statewide assessment of the quality of inclusion of climate risks into council’s governance

arrangements was undertaken in 2015/16 prior to the program’s commencement.

• The statewide assessment was repeated in late 2019 and has found that overall, councils practice

standards have improved markedly since the establishment of the program.

• The Mackay/Whitsunday Region achieved the highest results in the quality of consideration of

climate risk, surpassing the Southeast Queensland region.

Covid-19 Impacts to delivery

• Until travel and gathering restrictions are lifted, the program will be making the following changes

to delivery:

o Face to face briefings for councils joining the program can be delivered via two x 1 hour

video sessions

o Detailed Governance Assessment interviews will be conducted via online video

appointments

o Results report back sessions will be available to council via video link

• The local government climate risk management forums and Climate Risk Management

Framework and Guideline familiarisation sessions will be delivered as a series of webinars and

small group video sessions;

• Expressions of Interest for applications for one of two Climate Risk Management Strategy Pilot

Project grants (incorporating local disaster risk considerations) will be called in July 2020.

• For more information, visit the Q CRC website or contact the program manager at:

[email protected]

LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Dorean Erhart, Lead – Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef and Program Manager – Q CRC

13. Review of Local Government Training Package (LGA04)

• The Local Government Training Package registered in 2004 is now under review to ensure that it reflects and support current job roles within local government.

https://qcrc.lgaq.asn.au/home

LGAQ Update


Friday 19 June 2020


• It includes qualifications (Certificate III to Diploma Level) in relation to Environmental Health, Regulatory Services, Planning, Operational Works, Administration/Governance/Compliance, and Elected Members.

• Technical experts from around the country are working with the consultant to help draft units of competency, including experts from a cross section of Queensland councils. This is to ensure the revised draft package reflects councils' needs.

• COVID-19 has reduced access to experts and slowed down this drafting phase. An additional round of consultation was requested by LG Associations to confirm that the experts are happy with the draft units. Experts raised a large number of issues which are now being addressed by the consultants.

• The LGAs believe that additional time is required to ensure the Training Package meets industry needs but a request for an extension given delays caused by COVID-19 has been rejected.

LGAQ Contact for this matter: Gabrielle Dorward, Lead – Workforce Capacity

14. Rural Water and Wastewater Guarantee

• Access to essential water and wastewater services is currently at risk in many of Queensland’s rural communities, directly impacting the health of households and visitors, and affecting community liveability as well as the commercial viability of businesses. Immediate Queensland Government support – both financial and technical – is needed if councils are to continue to provide their communities with the essential water and wastewater services they need.

• The LGAQ is proposing that the Queensland Government invest $500 million over five years in a Rural Water and Wastewater Guarantee, a program of dedicated funding support, as part of the transition to a new grant funding model that includes ‘security of essential services’ as one of its objectives. This investment is also critical to rural and remote councils, particularly during the current COVID-19 crisis in providing the certainty councils need in sustaining and creating jobs.

• The LGAQ developed a concept paper for the Rural Water and Wastewater Guarantee. The concept paper discussed the need for funding and technical support and outlined the potential scope and funding model for rural and remote local governments. To ensure we have best chance of being successful in this ask, eligibility for funding was determined using the following criteria: o councils with residential populations under 40,000 who manage their water and wastewater

services; and o non-indigenous local government alliances or formal collaborations.

• The LGAQ extended the concept paper to 41 rural and remote councils in January this year seeking their input and feedback. This was followed by face-to-face and digital consultation which resulted in 28 councils providing their comments on the concept paper. A copy of this paper was also extended to DNRME, DLGRMA and qldwater, and the paper was presented at LGAQ’s Water and Sewerage Advisory Group meeting on 29 January 2020 where Minister Hinchliffe and Shadow Minister Ann Leahy were present.

• The consultation process concluded on 6 March 2020, and the concept paper was updated to reflect some of the comments received from councils. The updated paper was presented to the LGAQ Policy Executives on 17 April 2020.

• The Policy Executives provided in principle support for a $500M Rural Water and Wastewater Program, its timely inclusion in the state budgeting processes and the critical need to support the provision of safe and reliable water supply in rural and remote Queensland.

• The Rural Water & Wastewater Guarantee is also one of the programs within the LGAQ’s Battleplan for Queensland Local Communities.

LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Subathra Ramachandram, Lead – Water and Wastewater

LGAQ Update


Friday 19 June 2020


15. Event – BioEconomy

• LGAQ will launch the first of a series of webinars called the Future Economy Series, designed to inform, educate and connect local councils on economic opportunities surrounding emerging and key industries for Queensland.

• These Series will connect local councils with industry, academia, investors, state and federal governments to understand the opportunity for their region and support informed decisions to position regions to capitalise on emerging opportunities.

• With a technologically advanced agricultural sector and a large amount of biomass available, the Bioeconomy represents a significant employment and economic growth opportunity for regional Queensland in different sectors, including transport, agriculture and industrial processes.

• The first event of this 2 part series is planned for the Thursday 24th of June 2020.

LGAQ Lead Contact for this event: Paul Cranch Lead – Trade and Investment

16. COVID-19 Water Supply Steering Committee

• DNRME has formed a Steering Committee with representation from key regulators and industry

representatives including the LGAQ. The Group last met on 22 May 2020. Recent updates include: o Water service providers concerned about their ability to meet regulatory reporting

requirements relating to Drinking Water Quality Management Plans (DWQMP) must

immediately notify DNRME by calling the Incident Hotline on 1300 596 709 or email

[email protected]. The Department is willing to consider issues

caused by COVID-19 disruptions on a case-by case basis.

o Although certain restriction have been eased, exempt workers are still required to have

the appropriate border pass or Remote Communities pass to ensure that they can

continue to deliver essential services including the operation, maintenance and repair of

water infrastructure. o The Framework for COVID SAFE businesses has been released by the Queensland

Government. The water supply industry hasn’t been identified by the Chief Health Officer

as posing a high risk of transmission and therefore water supply companies don’t need to

develop a mandatory COVID SAFE Checklist. However, all businesses in Queensland

have obligations and responsibilities under Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)

legislation, and should have a WHS Plan to manage COVID-19. This is an internal plan

that doesn’t need to be submitted for approval.

LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Subathra Ramachandram, Lead – Water and Wastewater

17. Casualisation of Workforce

• Two recent federal court decisions pose significant implications for local government's employment practices relating to casual employees. The Courts reaffirmed that the nature of the employment relationship (as it pertains to casual employment) was to be determined by the work circumstances and not on what is agreed by parties or depicted in an employment contract.

• In the latest case, the courts ruled an employment arrangement which purported to be a long-standing casual employment, was in effect a permanent arrangement. The courts ruled that the person was entitled to all the entitlements associated with being a permanent employment i.e. annual, sick, personal, compassionate leave etc, backdated to for as long as permitted by the legislation (notionally 6 years). Moreover, with the person now retired, the casual loading paid to the employee over this time could not be used to offset against the financial sum owing to the person for these unused entitlements.


https://www.vision6.com.au/ch/23788/2d12r7z/2481857/WVG03nAjJKW1gOe3DopdYtAI8VcbGZvPGt095KSn.html

https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0027/127647/framework-for-covid-safe-businesses.pdf

LGAQ Update


Friday 19 June 2020


• The LGAQ has been conducting a series of webinars for interested HR managers and staff. Councils are being encouraged to audit their current casual workforce and to seek appropriate advice where the circumstances suggest council might be at risk for retrospective claims. Councils are advised against any actions at this time that might suggest any admissions of liability in the absence of such advice. Councils can expect further information and advice on this matter pending possible appeal from the employer or intervention by the federal government.

LGAQ Lead Contact for this matter: Tony Goode - Workforce Strategy Executive

18. LGAQ Submissions Update

Recent Submissions

• GasFields Commission Queensland Strategic Plan (due 3 April 2020)

• Independent review of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (due 17

April 2020)

• Lessons to be learned in relation the Australian bushfire season 2019-20 (due 28 April 2020)

• Consultation Regulatory Impact Statement - Single-use plastic items (due 30 April 2020)

• Inquiry into the Electoral Commission of Queensland's online publication of preliminary and formal

counts of the votes cast in the local government elections and state by-elections held on 28 March

2020 (due 13 May 2020)

Upcoming Submissions

• Inquiry into the Queensland Government's economic response to COVID-19 (due 30 June)

• Inquiry into the Queensland Government's health response to COVID-19 (due 3 July)

• Productivity Commission: National Water Reform 2020 – Issues Paper (due 21 August)

AGENDA - FNQROC Board Meeting No. 142 · 2020. 6. 17. · AGENDA - FNQROC Board Meeting No. 142...

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